MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Lanao del Sur reported that the conduct of the 2025 national and local elections in the province was generally peaceful, despite several isolated violent incidents in some areas.
“Nagagalak kaming ibalita na ang pagganap ng election ay mapayapa at walang failure of election na naitala. Meron mga kaguluhan pero agad naman itong na aksyonan ng ating kapulisan na hindi naantala ang ginaganap na botohan,” said Provincial Police Chief, Police Colonel Robert Daculan.
(We are pleased to announce that the conduct of the election was peaceful and no failure of election was recorded. There were some disturbances, but these were immediately addressed by our police force, ensuring that the voting process continued without delay.)
In Marawi City, a female poll watcher is under investigation after allegedly pouring water on an Automated Counting Machine (ACM) at a polling precinct in Barangay West Marinaut. The damage temporarily disrupted the voting process, but the machine was replaced and voting resumed shortly afterward.
The PNP and Task Force Marawi also swiftly addressed a tense situation between two groups of political supporters at a polling center in Barangay Sagonsongan. The situation quickly calmed down, and the voting process resumed peacefully.
In Bayang, police responded to a disturbance at the Upper Lalapung polling precinct involving a poll watcher and members of the electoral board. An ACM was damaged during the incident. Authorities contained the situation, and voting continued. Charges are being prepared under the Omnibus Election Code.
In Pualas, five individuals were arrested for violating the election gun ban. Authorities confiscated firearms, magazines, and live ammunition. The suspects are in police custody and face appropriate charges.
In Barangay Rinabor, Bayang, two individuals — a municipal councilor candidate and the brother of a barangay chairperson — were shot by an unidentified assailant while on their way to a polling center. Both were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Police have launched an investigation and are working to identify the suspect.
In Barangay Madaya, Maguing, one person was killed in a stabbing incident that occurred during a confrontation between political supporters.
Daculan commended the prompt response of law enforcement agencies in managing the incidents and maintaining the continuity of the elections. He assured the public that authorities are focused on identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the disturbances. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
